Incontinence Therapy Cycle Settings to Prevent Patient Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices that deliver continuous electrical stimulation therapy for urinary and fecal incontinence may lead to patient adaptation, resulting in recurring symptoms and involuntary voiding events, and lack effective patient reminders.
Innovation Solution
A medical device configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy using a plurality of cycle settings with alternating on-cycles and off-cycles, along with optional reminder electrical stimulation, to manage incontinence and other patient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous electrical stimulation therapy is delivered, then initial therapeutic effect is achieved, but patient adaptation occurs resulting in recurring symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between on-cycles (electrical stimulation delivery) and off-cycles (no stimulation) in repeating cycles. The medical device delivers therapy according to cycle settings that define specific on-cycle and off-cycle durations, creating a periodic stimulation pattern that prevents patient adaptation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness over extended periods.
2Reliability
If multiple cycle settings are used to prevent adaptation, then therapy efficacy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the therapy delivery parameters adjustable and variable over time. The medical device includes a library of multiple cycle settings with different on-cycle and off-cycle durations, allowing the therapy regimen to be dynamically changed based on patient response. The device can automatically or manually transition between different cycle settings to optimize therapy while preventing adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the electrical stimulation parameters across different cycle settings. Each cycle setting defines specific parameter values including on-cycle duration, off-cycle duration, and stimulation intensity. The medical device changes these parameters over time by switching between different cycle settings, which prevents patient adaptation while managing complexity through structured parameter variation.
3Reliability
If on-cycle duration is increased to evoke physiological response, then therapeutic benefit improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through periodic action by implementing alternating on-cycles and off-cycles. During on-cycles, the device delivers electrical stimulation at sufficient duration and intensity to evoke the desired physiological response (sphincter contraction or bladder relaxation). During off-cycles, no stimulation is delivered, allowing energy conservation. The repeating cycle pattern ensures therapeutic effectiveness while managing overall energy consumption over time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces recurring symptoms and improves patient outcomes by minimizing incontinence events and providing effective patient reminders, enhancing the efficacy of electrical stimulation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
electrical stimulation therapy delivered by a medical device according to a plurality of different cycle settings
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a technique for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient includes determining, by processing circuitry, one or more cycle settings associated with delivery of the electrical stimulation therapy, determining, by the processing circuitry, a cycle time period associated with each cycle setting, and delivering, by a medical device, electrical stimulation therapy based on the determined cycle settings and the determined cycle time periods. Each cycle setting may define an on-cycle, during which electrical stimulation is delivered, and an off-cycle, during which electrical stimulation is not delivered. The technique further may include delivering electrical stimulation to the patient to provide one or more reminders to the patient, such as a reminder to void or a reminder of the existence of electrical stimulation.